Here is some of what I have written about the limits of psychological  growth: 

LIMITS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL GROWTH        Even after extensive effort and work on psychological growth, many people continue to feel dissatisfied or empty.   It is implied that if you do psychotherapy or work on personal psychological issues that you will be happy.   Think about this: the issues that psychology addresses are limited.  And the framework of values that psychological work allies itself with is inherently dissatisfying.  Psychology does not address the higher levels of human development, nor does it primarily look at the effects of the socioeconomic or cultural milieu.  There are many reasons why psychological growth work does not bring a lasting sense of peace and satisfaction. 

 FIRST      First, psychological growth work encompasses only a portion of human development. The field of psychology addresses human behavior, emotion, and cognition. However, the field has primarily focused its attention in the clinical realm on pathology in those areas - on disorder and addiction. The psychological process extends to the development of a healthy ego and sense of self and corresponding healthy functioning. The highest level addressed generally in the psychological literature is termed well-being, and was explored by Abraham Maslow. Within traditional psychology, only recently has attention been given to religious and spiritual needs and to the ancient wisdom literatures. 

SECOND      Second, psychological growth work alone does not result in a lasting or pervasive sense of satisfaction, joy, or gratitude. It does not result in the development of virtues or in positive mental factors. This is the reason that participants in psychotherapy become discouraged, confused, or search endlessly through the writings and methods provided by psychotherapy and mental health practitioners. The psychotherapeutic process is meant to reduce negative emotions such as depression, fears, and anxiety, and to increase positive self image and an increased clarity of identity or feelings of worth. When these goals are accomplished, therapy is terminated; yet, only a portion of human development has been accomplished. 

THIRD      Third, the field of psychology does not provide a method that leads to the ultimate liberation from the type of suffering that pervades our time. In fact, in some ways it may contribute to it. To the extent that psychotherapy implies that ones desires will be met and that satiation can be attained through success and acquisition, through the focus on self, and on personal/ego satisfaction, psychotherapy may set participants up for further dissatisfaction. Unfortunately, many advocates of psychotherapy and many psychology and self help books state or subtly imply that reading the book or entering psychotherapy will provide the complete solution to all of one's problems or that psychological maturity is synonymous with happiness and satisfaction. Since the field of psychology addresses only a portion of our potential maturing process, without completing the psycho-spiritual developmental process, sincere participants in psychological growth and effort, are surprised and confused in finding themselves unsatisfied. 

FOURTH      Fourth, since psychological growth work is entered into within a cultural context, it's influence is entwined with that of the culture. Throughout history we have seen that material goods, affluence, and success do not bring happiness. Recent research documents this not only in the United States, but also in many countries throughout the world. Without a framework that provides meaning, the material accumulation occurs paradoxically along with an ongoing sense of deprivation and emptiness. Why do so many fall into this trap? First, before accumulation occurs, one accept the false premise that material possessions will make you happy. Secondly, it is not easy to find meaning and manifest values and beliefs in behavior.  It is a difficult way. A way of effort, discipline, determination, and sacrifice.  It is a difficult choice in a society that promotes the promise that "you can have it all." 

SHARING      You are welcome to send your thoughts, feelings, and experiences regarding the following topic.  This topic will change every 2-3 weeks.  

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"The limits of psychological growth work and the historical separation of psychological and spiritual growth."